Thursday, October 11, 2007

Another Week, Another Flyer Cheap Shot

In the wake of Flyer Steve Downie's suspension for a high hit on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond comes the below cheap shot from Philly's part-time tough/spare part Jesse Boulerice.

I'd expect a big suspension - into the double digits - and I think that it might even be in the upper teens as the League likes to make bigger examples of more expendable players (and given that it's the second straight Flyer to act up, maybe they want to send a message to the team as well, though I know this is something no one in the organization condones). And don't forget that ten years ago, Boulerice was suspended for an entire year by the OHL for a stick-related incident.

Anyway, take a look and play this round of "Guess the Suspension" in the comments (and before answering, I might suggest you check out one of my favorite blog posts ever, from Battle of Alberta on the reason(s) for suspensions).

I don't much care if it's in the heat of the moment, or these guys had had some run-ins earlier in the game, disincentives -- heavy ones, even excessive ones -- need to be imposed on those who might be inclined to giving head shots, especially with a stick. Given that the Flyers have already had one player take a 20, and that this looks a bit too much like Chris Simon's whack late last season.

You'd hope this clown gets at least what Downie got, this stick to the head crap is going to get someone killed on day. If you or I did that, there'd be police involved in a heartbeat. 25 games minimum, send a message Campbell.

1) The bar has been set as this on replay appears to look much like the Simon on Holweg stick incident of last year. Therefore we'd expect a 20-25 game suspension, especially given this goon's past history2) Unlike the Neil hit last week, or even the Downie hit this one has ZERO place in hockey. If you have a beef with a guy, be a man and drop the mitts and get it over with.3) Its not fighting that hurts hockey, its goonery of this fashion that hurts the sport. We can only imagine this will be the ONLY hockey 'highlight' shown on ESPN tonight!